10 Day Essential China – 3 City Tour From $1149*usIncludes flights from New York, First Class Accommodations, Transfers & Much more!

Embark on the trip of a lifetime to China with this affordable tour including flights, First Class accommodations, transfers, breakfast daily and more!

In Beijing, possibly join a full day tour of the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and Tiananmen Square. You may also choose a tour to the Great Wall, the longest man-made structure on Earth, and stop at the Beijing Zoo for a visit with the famous pandas.

Fly to Xian, where you will have the option to visit the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum, Xingqing Park or the archaeological site at the tomb of China’s first emperor, where more than 8,000 finely sculpted, life-size terracotta soldiers and horses were discovered by local farmers in 1974.

Lastly, travel to Shanghai and wander the classical Yuyuan Garden, experience the old world charm of the Bund, the former “Wall Street” of the foreign powers, and perhaps visit the Jade Buddha Temple. Plus with a full day at leisure, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city on your own or join our optional tour to the ancient city of Suzhou, including a sailing on the famous Grand Canal.

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1, Tuesday – Depart for China

Depart for China. Please note that your flight may depart just after midnight. Be aware, that if it does, you must check in at the airport the evening prior to your departure date

DAY 2, Wednesday – Arrive in Beijing

Arrive in Beijing and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisureOvernight: Beijing

DAY 3, Thursday – Beijing

Explore Beijing on your own today. Feel the pulse of this frenetic city of many contrasts with its astonishing history and wondrous sights. Alternatively, participate in the amazing optional tour to the 2,000-year-old Great Wall of China, the longest man-made structure on Earth, spanning nearly 4,000 miles of China’s northern frontier. Stop at a local Jade Shop before visit to the Ming Tombs, a collection of mausoleums built by the Chinese Ming Dynasty Emperor. Continue with a lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards,mount the ramparts of the Great Wall to view beautiful mountain passes, plateaus and grasslands from this 7th-century defensive fortification. Evening is at leisure, or attend the famous optional Peking Duck DinnerOptional: Great Wall of China & Ming Tombs with LunchOptional: Peking Duck DinnerOvernight: BeijingMeals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Friday – Full Day in Beijing

Today is at leisure, to explore the city on your own. Feel the pulse of this frenetic city of many contrasts with its astonishing history and wondrous sights. Perhaps, join the full day optional tour to the Forbidden City (Imperial Palace) is truly an astonishing discovery. Known today as the Palace Museum, this massive walled complex is a masterpiece of Chinese architecture, consisting of 800 buildings with more than 9,000 rooms. After lunch, the tour ends with a drive outside the city to the fabled Summer Palace, resort of the Empress Dowager. Tonight is at leisure, to discover Beijing’s lively restaurant scene on your ownOptional: Forbidden City & Summer Palace with LunchOvernight: BeijingMeals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Saturday – Flight to Xian

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, to explore Xian at your own pace. In the evening, perhaps attend the optional Tang Dynasty Show that includes an Imperial Dinner and performance of historical 1,000-year-old dancesOptional: Tang Dynasty Dinner & ShowOvernight: XianMeals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Sunday – Full Day in Xian

The day is yours to explore Xian independently or, join the truly unforgettable optional tour to the archaeological site of the magnificent Terra Cotta Warriors, a vast collection of life-size soldiers, horses and chariots that were entombed with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. This world-famous site, discovered in 1974, is still being excavated today. Later, enjoy an optional Dumpling Banquet Dinner that features nearly 20 different varieties of delectable dumplingsOptional: Dumpling DinnerOvernight: XianMeals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Monday – Flight to Shanghai

This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure in cosmopolitan Shanghai, the fastest growing city in Asia with its dramatic ever-changing skyline or, join the optional tour to experience some Shanghai cuisine at a local restaurant before exploring the Bund waterfront and enjoying the dazzling illuminated skyline by cruiseOptional: Shanghai by Night with DinnerOvernight: ShanghaiMeals: Breakfast

DAY 8, Tuesday – Full Day in Shanghai

Today is at leisure for individual pursuits or, join this morning’s optional tour of the major attractions of Shanghai. Wander the classical Yu Yuan Garden, built during the Ming Dynasty by the high-ranking government official Pan Yunduan. The Gardens’ total area occupies approximately five acres, and features pavilions, ponds, rockeries, cloisters, and streams all within six scenic zones, including the Sansui Hall and Wanhua Chamber. In existence for 400 years, the Garden was specifically constructed for Pan’s aging parents as a sanctuary in which to live out their lives. Continue to visit the Jade Buddha Temple which is the most famous and one of the most active Buddhist temples in Shanghai. It was built during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty to enshrine two beautiful jade Buddha statues that were brought from Burma. Conclude the day with a stop at a local carpet shop and embroidery shop. Tonight is at leisure. Perhaps attend an optional performance by the world-famous Chinese acrobats that includes dance, magic, acrobatics and beautiful music after dinner at a local restaurantOptional: Full Day Yu Yuan Garden & Jade Buddha with lunch (AM)Optional: Acrobatic Show with DinnerOvernight: ShanghaiMeals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Wednesday – Full Day in Shanghai

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Shanghai at your own pace. Browse the trendy shops and galleries along Taikang Road, wander along the narrow alleyways that lead to bustling markets, or, join the optional full day tour to Suzhou, known as the “Venice of the East”. Here, you’ll see the canals, stone bridges, pagodas, and meticulously designed gardens designated as UNESCO World Heritage SitesOptional: Full Day Yu Yuan Garden & Jade Buddha with lunch (AM)Optional: Full Day Suzhou with lunchOvernight: ShanghaiMeals: Breakfast

DAY 10, Thursday – Depart China

Featured Hotels

Mercure Beijing Downtown, Beijing

This first class hotel is located in the city center of Beijing.

Guest Rooms: The rooms feature contemporary decor and furnishings. All rooms are equipped with a range of modern amenities, which include complimentary internet access, a safe and air conditioning. Non-smoking rooms available upon request.

Location: The hotel is situated in Beijing’s Central Business District. The China World Trade Center, Silk Street Market and a subway stop are located a short ride away from the hotel.

Restaurants: The hotel offers a scrumptious breakfast buffet. Guests can enjoy international fare at La Vie restaurant and regional dishes at the Huateng Chinese restaurant. Snacks and beverages are available in the hotel’s Lobby Bar.

Xian Tourism Golden Flower Hotel, Xian

This first class hotel is located in the East Economic Development Area near to historic attractions.

Location: Hotel is ideally suited to explore newer and historic Xian. Subway line 1 is next to the hotel, railroad station is about 2 miles away and bus stop is only 0.1 mile away. Easy access to historic Bell Tower, Great Mosque and nearby shopping, restaurants and entertainment. The ancient walled city is about a 10 minute ride away, and the Terracotta Warrior Museum is about a 30 minute car ride away.

Restaurants: Shang Palace serves fine Cantonese specialties. Coffee Garden features breakfast, lunch and dinner international buffets and an a la carte menu. Enjoy refreshments in the Lobby Lounge with live entertainment at night.

Ocean Hotel, Shanghai

This first class hotel overlooks the Huangpu River.

Guest Rooms: Rooms are comfortable, spacious and equipped with full facilities. Non-smoking rooms are available upon request. Enjoy the hotel’s spa, fitness center, billiards room and indoor pool.

Location: The hotel is situated in the North Bund Shipping Zone and overlooks the magnificent Huangpu River. It is only a 15 minute drive to Nanjing Road, the city’s most flourishing commercial and shopping area.

*Price displayed in US dollars, per person, double occupancy, Applicable to April 29, 2017 departure, other dates available at various prices. Includes airfare from New York plus domestic flights, airport taxes, transfers, accommodations and certain meals as per itinerary. OPC Indemnity Fund fee of $1 per $1,000 of travel products sold is additional. Limited space, other conditions and restrictions may apply. Not all travel dates available. Offer is Subject to change or cancellation at any time.